, the fiscal cliff deadline. we are getting closer. but even if lawmakers managed to reach a deal in time, they will likely put off big decisions on taxes and entitlement programs and the growing $16 trillion budget deficit. how do we deal with that? the former deputy assistant to former president george bush. brad and joe, welcome. >> good to be with you. >> eric: of course. brad, i mean, this morning, the with the was on with the meet the press," blaming republicans. the republicans call it a lack of presidential leadership. does this thing get solved? >> no, it certainly doesn't get solved the way it should be solved. we have debt, we is sequestration, any bill that happens today won't deal with the sequestration, which lindy graham said right here, he got a call last night from the defense secretary, worried to death that sequestration is going to gut the military. we are kicking the can down the road. judgment day is coming. there is no question about t. but the president, remember when he appointed the bipa